Silverlinings (for other editions, see Silverlinings)

It Will Be Worth It All
(September 9, 2006)

Susing kept assuring me we were not lost. After all, we were on a small island; any of the trails would eventually lead to the beach. We passed tethered caribous and small goats in an open grazing field surrounded by mango trees and banana plants. On one trail, we saw colorful turkeys emerging from the woods to feed on corn stubble, moving in single file as if ready to go to the beach with us.

Other paths led to the homes of cousins, nephews, and nieces-Susing seemed to be related to everyone on the island of Polo! Each person pointed out a different and better trail to get to the seaside. Still full of excitement and laughing enthusiastically, we almost sang, "It will be worth it all when we get to the beach."

On the way, we listened wide-eyed to the story of a python who grabbed two chickens before being killed. We heard the story of another python which, after trying to wrap its body around a young girl, ended up being a delicious meal for the community. We took note of the stories of hunger, lack of medical help, and daily struggles from those whose only livelihood is fishing and farming. They refused to follow us. We felt a little guilty remembering our journey to the beach and knowing that those left behind were occupied with planting seeds, pulling weeds, grating coconut, and grinding corn, but we knew our journey would be worth it all.

Our bags became heavier as we not only received directions, but also fresh peanuts from one relative, squash from another, and then ears of corn before being directed to the next trail. Some of the paths led around cliffs and banks too high and dangerous to climb down to the crashing waves of the ocean below. Pulling our damp clothes away from our backs while watching for snakes, we continued on our journey, declaring warily, "It will be worth it all when we get to the beach."

A leisurely 15 minute walk had stretched into over an hour's trek. We kept saying, "It will be worth it all!" But we had almost forgotten where our journey would end. We were just determined to get to the end of the trail. We climbed over termite eaten logs while slapping at pesky mosquitoes as we followed the narrow trail surrounded by deep undergrowth. Faintly, we whispered, "Will it be worth it all?" "Should we turn back? Is this the right trail?

Finally, we saw the precariously built bridge of bamboo spanning the river leading to the beach. Balancing our lunch and bags of food, we thought how easy the crossing was-until the bamboo became smaller in width and the handrails on the side disappeared. Then the bridge narrowed and the bamboo became slippery. Except for the quick beating of the heart, our occasional deep, sharp breaths, and the loss and recapture of a flip-flop, nothing happened. Through the mangrove trees, we glimpsed the white sand on the beach! We could hear the slight splashing of the waves.

Walking in circles in the heat of the day, tramping up and down trails not knowing which would lead to the beach, and straining to find a well beaten path midst the undergrowth were all soon forgotten as we dipped into the cool waves of the ocean. "Ahh, it was worth it all."

It will be worth it all,
When we see Jesus.
Life's trials will seem so small,
When we see Christ.

One glimpse of His dear face,
All sorrows will erase.
So bravely run the race,
Till we see Christ.

~Esther Kerr Rusthoi

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Dr. Geneva Silvernail

Asia-Pacific Regional Literature Coordinator
Regional Education Consultant

Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
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1920 Rizal Philippines

Email: gsilvernail@apnaz.org
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